Mexico’s federal and Baja California Sur state governments will formally install a new Advisory Council (Consejo Asesor) on June 6 to develop navigation regulations for Bahía de Loreto National Park. The council’s first working meeting is scheduled for June 8.
The new body will bring together local citizens, academics, scientists, tourism operators, and representatives from all three levels of government: federal, state, and municipal. Its primary task is to define restrictions and guidelines for boating, fishing, and water-based activities inside the protected bay, all aligned with Mexico’s existing environmental law.
What the Council Will Address
Bahía de Loreto National Park covers 206,581 hectares (about 510,470 acres) along the Sea of Cortez coast, roughly 88% of which is ocean surface. The park, established in 1996, protects five large uninhabited islands and numerous smaller islets. It holds UNESCO World Heritage status as part of the Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California, designated in 2005.
The advisory council will review current navigation practices within these waters and propose new rules. Local fishermen and tour operators will have a direct seat at the table, according to the state government announcement. The governor of Baja California Sur emphasized that economic and tourism stability will be balanced against conservation priorities.
Potential Impact on Boating and Fishing
The park already regulates fishing zones. In recent years, restricted fishing areas within the park expanded from roughly 100 hectares to over 6,200 hectares under the park’s management plan. New navigation rules could add further restrictions on where boats can travel, how fast they can move, and what types of vessels are permitted in sensitive areas near marine mammal colonies and coral formations.
Loreto is a popular destination for sport fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, whale watching, and diving. Any changes to navigation rules inside the park could affect charter operators, panga fishermen, and recreational boaters who use the bay daily.
The National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (CONANP) oversees the park at the federal level. The creation of this multi-stakeholder council is intended to give local voices a role in shaping regulations before they take effect.
The announcement was first reported by the Baja California Sur state government through its official website, bcs.gob.mx.